By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – Türkiye's extensive counterterrorism measures have forced the terrorist group PKK to abandon attempts to recruit new members, while the number of surrendered terrorists has steadily increased, said the country's National Defense Minister Yasar Guler on Tuesday.

“Regardless of where members of the terrorist organization flee, they will not be able to escape the iron grip of the Turkish Armed Forces, and our fight against terrorism will continue unabated. The inevitable end for the crumbling terrorist organization draws nearer every day,” Guler said during a video conference with officials.

Reiterating Türkiye’s rejection of the so-called autonomous administration and local election activities of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization in northern Syria, which are viewed as a phase of an attempt to establish an “artificial terrorist state,” Guler said: “These efforts to divide Syria and imprison the will of its people are futile endeavors.”

He warned, “Indeed, we will never allow the separatist organization to establish a terrorist corridor near our southern borders.”

He underlined that the PKK’s so-called leaders have also left the operational areas under various pretexts and fled to other areas, which they consider safe.

​Türkiye’s activities in Syria

Stressing that Ankara has successfully prevented the terrorist corridor intended through operations conducted within the scope of legitimate defense, Guler said these operations contribute to preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria and Iraq while maintaining Türkiye’s respectful stance within this framework.

"The negative perception and increasing tensions being attempted to be created recently regarding Syrian refugees are being closely monitored. Attempts by some elements operating against Türkiye to disrupt public order will be thwarted thanks to the dedicated efforts of all units of our state,” the defense minister added.

Mine countermeasures task group in Black Sea

Guler said the Mine Countermeasures Task Group in the Black Sea, established under Türkiye’s leadership with Romania and Bulgaria to ensure maritime security against the threat of mines, became operational on Monday with a signing ceremony.

He added that the task force will operate under the command of the Naval Forces Command for the next six months, beginning Tuesday.

He also underlined that increasing asymmetric risks and threats worldwide pose a danger to security, peace, stability, and prosperity.